Tribe options Gomez, could call on Carrasco

Tribe options Gomez, could call on Carrasco

CLEVELAND -- The Indians appear close to having starter Carlos Carrasco back in their big league rotation.

During Monday's off-day, the team optioned right-hander Jeanmar Gomez to Triple-A Columbus. Cleveland may decide to use Carrasco to start Wednesday's home game against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Carrasco landed on the 15-day disabled list after experiencing discomfort in his right elbow during his most recent start on April 24 against the Twins. Carrasco completed a Minor League rehab outing with Double-A Akron on Friday and would be on regular rest for a start on Wednesday.

In five starts for the Tribe this season, Carrasco has gone 1-1 with a 4.97 ERA. He pitched just three innings in his last start, but the elbow injury was not considered serious. The Indians made it known that Carrasco would likely only require one rehab appearance.

Gomez -- initially promoted to the Indians after righty Mitch Talbot (elbow soreness) landed on the 15-day DL on April 17 -- went 0-1 with a 4.91 ERA in four outings for Cleveland. His demotion keeps right-hander Alex White in the rotation at least until Talbot's return.

Considering that the Indians do not need a starter right away, it is possible that the club will promote a player other than Carrasco in the meantime. Cleveland used that approach on April 28, recalling reliever Frank Herrmann from Triple-A when Carrasco was placed on the DL. Two days later, White was promoted from Columbus and Herrmann was optioned back down.

Due to Monday's off-day, the Indians do not technically need an additional starter until Saturday. Even so, it is likely that Cleveland will keep its rotation in its current state, adding a starter for Wednesday's game against the Rays as opposed to moving each of the other four arms up a day.